News: DC.COM: Top 10 Free-Agent Priorities On The Current Dallas Roster

IRVING, Texas – In about a month, the Cowboys will be gearing up for the start of the free-agent signing period.

Whether or not the Cowboys will be aggressive in signing new players, they will have some decisions to make regarding their own free agents, both unrestricted and restricted.

So here’s a look at the Top 10 Cowboys’ free agents, based on priority to keep in 2013.

10. Ernie Sims (UFA) – One of the many signed off the street to simply fill in at inside linebacker, he caught on quick and showed some glimpses of why he was once a Top-10 pick. In this 4-3 scheme, he has the versatility to play either position, but could probably be a good fit in the nickel.

9. Kenyon Coleman (UFA) – Signed mainly to play in the 3-4, coaches would say how underrated and underappreciated Coleman was. After his triceps injury, the Cowboys missed his production as a run stopper. In this scheme, he probably won’t be a great fit. Plus, he turns 34 in April.

8. Victor Butler (UFA) – He could be much higher on this list depending on Anthony Spencer’s status. If Spencer doesn’t return, it’s possible Butler could get re-signed, unless he gets starter-money with another team. The scheme shouldn’t matter much for Butler, who plays mostly in the nickel, which is a four-man front regardless.

Sims was solid last year...the way we went through LBs, i'd be thrilled to have him around. Butler is another who did pretty well in rushing the QB, but not sure how he would fair in true LB form in a 43.

Sims was solid last year...the way we went through LBs, i'd be thrilled to have him around. Butler is another who did pretty well in rushing the QB, but not sure how he would fair in true LB form in a 43.

I liked Sims, and wouldn't mind bringing him back. My point was more that I could care less if all of the guys other than the 2 I mentioned were gone.

I liked Sims, and wouldn't mind bringing him back. My point was more that I could care less if all of the guys other than the 2 I mentioned were gone.

Spencer is going to cost too much money. JP is someone that gets no notice specifically because he never does anything wrong and frankly I would make sure of him before anyone else.
Sims would be a guy to keep if he is not too expensive.

Spencer is going to cost too much money. JP is someone that gets no notice specifically because he never does anything wrong and frankly I would make sure of him before anyone else.
Sims would be a guy to keep if he is not too expensive.

Think you mean L.P but i agree. The guy is the best in the game. I remember when Dallas couldnt execute a long snap before him. was a total nightmare on punts and Fgs

IRVING, Texas &#8211; In about a month, the Cowboys will be gearing up for the start of the free-agent signing period.

Whether or not the Cowboys will be aggressive in signing new players, they will have some decisions to make regarding their own free agents, both unrestricted and restricted.

So here&#8217;s a look at the Top 10 Cowboys&#8217; free agents, based on priority to keep in 2013.

10. Ernie Sims (UFA) &#8211; One of the many signed off the street to simply fill in at inside linebacker, he caught on quick and showed some glimpses of why he was once a Top-10 pick. In this 4-3 scheme, he has the versatility to play either position, but could probably be a good fit in the nickel.

9. Kenyon Coleman (UFA) &#8211; Signed mainly to play in the 3-4, coaches would say how underrated and underappreciated Coleman was. After his triceps injury, the Cowboys missed his production as a run stopper. In this scheme, he probably won&#8217;t be a great fit. Plus, he turns 34 in April.

8. Victor Butler (UFA) &#8211; He could be much higher on this list depending on Anthony Spencer&#8217;s status. If Spencer doesn&#8217;t return, it&#8217;s possible Butler could get re-signed, unless he gets starter-money with another team. The scheme shouldn&#8217;t matter much for Butler, who plays mostly in the nickel, which is a four-man front regardless.

Sims, Frampton, Phillips, Ladouceur and Spencer are the only ones I care about on that list.

Sims would be a good backup/strongside candidate. Frampton is a better version of McCray IMO. Phillips keeps us from having to draft another blocking TE. Ladouceur is one of the best at his position, which isn't a high-paying position. And Dallas needs to franchise Spencer to see what he can provide as a 4-3 end after his standout season.